The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a U.S. taxpayer identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is for individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number for tax purposes but who do not have and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration.
If you are required to have a federal tax identification number or file a federal income tax return, and you are not eligible to get an SSN, you must apply for an ITIN.
Request an ITIN Support letter from the International Center
If you are an international student who is receiving university funding for your program (ex. fellowship), you can request an ITIN support letter from the International Center.
Compile all of the documents listed on the ITIN Checklist.
Then upload all documents to the Student Upload Tool.
The International Center will review your forms and send you an ITIN support letter via DocuSign once it is ready. You will need this letter before submitting your request to the IRS.
Submit Your ITIN Application to the IRS
There are three different ways to submit your ITIN to the IRS:
Option 1: Apply at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (Recommended)
Taxpayer Assistance Centers are public offices run by the IRS. There is no fee, but appointments must be booked in advance.
Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Form W-7
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- I-20/DS-2019
- International Center ITIN Support Letter
- Fellowship Letter (issued from UCI Graduate Division)
Option 2: With a Certified Acceptance Agent
Certified Acceptance Agents are private tax professionals. They will charge a fee for this service. The International Center cannot recommend a specific Certified Acceptance Agent, you can find one by reviewing the Certified Acceptance Agent Listing.
Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Form W-7
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- I-20/DS-2019
- International Center ITIN Support Letter
- Fellowship Letter (issued from UCI Graduate Division)
Option 3: Apply by Mail
This approach requires mailing original documents (including your original passport) to the IRS. We do not recommend applying by mail because you will not have access to your passport.
Complete the W-7 on your own or with the assistance of online software like Sprintax.
Mail original documents to the IRS Address:
- Form W-7
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- I-20/DS-2019
- International Center ITIN Support Letter
- Fellowship Letter (issued from UCI Graduate Division)
IRS ITIN Form Instructions
ITIN and W-7 application instructions from the IRS can be found here:
ITIN application submission instructions.
ITIN Processing with the IRS
You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your ITIN within 7-11 weeks. If you have any questions about the status of your application, call the IRS toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040.
After You Receive Your ITIN
Update your UCI Glacier account and keep this information in a secure location for your records.